Five Perfect Songs for Thanksgiving

As a European who is unaware of such things, I once asked an American friend to explain me what Thanksgiving Day is all about. You probably know, it’s not a holiday that is celebrated everywhere around the world like Christmas for example. I won’t even lie; the way she described it to me made me fall hard for it. She told me how millions of Americans will ride planes, boats, cars and trains only so they can reunite with family and friends on this one day.

She told me that Thanksgiving Day is a very important part of American life, family and culture, which reminds people why they should be thankful for all they have in life and why they should love and value the people around them. She also mentioned about a dreamy meal that includes roast turkey, gravy, sweet potatoes and various fresh pies and how the “menu” also includes American football games and excessive consuming of beer.

So a dedicated music fan like myself couldn’t resist and asked her “What about the music on Thanksgiving Day? Any special songs for the occasion?” Sadly there isn’t really any music specific to Thanksgiving, with the exception of the hideous “It’s Thanksgiving” released last year :

This motivated me to look for some awesome songs that remind us why we should be thankful for all we have in life. So here are five songs specially dedicated to all my American friends to help celebrate such a beautiful and meaningful holiday.

1) Be Thankful For What You’ve Got

Massive Attack

Though you may not drive a great big cadillac
You may not have a car at all
But just remember brothers and sisters
You can still stand tall
Just be thankful for what you’ve got

2) What A Wonderful World

Louis Armstrong

I see skies of blue….. clouds of white
Bright blessed days….dark sacred nights
And I think to myself …..what a wonderful world

3) I Thank You

ZZ Top

You didn’t have to love me like you did
But you did, but you did.
And I thank you.

You didn’t have to hold me but you did
But you did but you did
And I thank you.

4) Life’s Been Good To Me So Far

Joe Walsh

Lucky I’m sane after all I’ve been through
Everybody says I’m cool (He’s cool)
I can’t complain but sometimes I still do
Life’s been good to me so far

5) Pretty Good Year

Tori Amos

Maybe a bright sandy beach
Is going to bring you back
May not so now you’re off
You’re gonna see America
Well let me tell you something about america
Pretty good year